Apple AirPods 2 could be waterproof, wireless and noise-cancelling – here’s what we know

APPLE may be plotting a pair of wireless headphones that block out the noise around you. A new report claims Apple is working on a new version of 2016’s iconic AirPods earbuds. The current Apple AirPods are small wireless earbuds that come with a charging case. They are completely cable-free, and connect to your iPhone, iPad or MacBook over Bluetooth. According to Bloomberg, the AirPods 2 will boast a number of new features, including noise-cancellation. Active noise cancellation is a popular technology available on premium headphones that shuts out ambient noise. How exactly does it work? Noise-cancelling headphones feature a tiny microphone that picks up the ambient noise around you. A built-in computer system is able to map out the sound wave for that noise – whether it’s an airplane cabin or the rumble of a London Underground tube. The headphones then create a noise-cancelling sound wave that’s 180-degrees out of phase with the original sound wave. This new sound wave is played back through your ear, effectively cancelling out the ambient noise around you. It means you’ll be able to better focus on the music you’re listening too, rather than being frustrated by dull background sounds in your office, or on the bus. That’s not the only upgrade we’re expecting, however. Apple is also reportedly working on adding water-resistance to the new AirPods. According to an unnamed source, the AirPods won’t be sufficiently waterproof for swimming, but they’ll be protected against “rain and perspiration”. It’s believed that Apple has… [Read full story]